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6h ago

Becerra Pulls Ahead as Steyer and Hilton Battle for Second in Tight California Primary

Late mail returns plus massive outside spending have left who advances to the November runoff uncertain.

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High school student volunteers and elections clerks set up signs outside an early voting center at Los Angeles Valley College early in the morning before polls open during the Los Angeles County and California state primary elections in Valley Glen.
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California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton speaks during a campaign event on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Benjamin Hanson)

Overview

  • Polls released in late May show Democrat Xavier Becerra surging to about 25–28 percent while Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton are effectively tied for the second qualifying spot.
  • Democratic voters delayed returning ballots to try to coordinate support after Eric Swalwell withdrew in April, a shift that helped consolidate donors and voters around Becerra.
  • Billionaire Tom Steyer has spent roughly $213 million of his own money on the primary and faces heavy negative ads from a realtor-backed committee and other outside groups.
  • Outside PACs and corporations have poured millions into pro-Becerra and anti-Steyer campaigns, and President Donald Trump’s endorsement has helped Hilton consolidate Republican support.
  • California’s top-two primary sends the two highest vote-getters to November regardless of party, so Tuesday’s June 2 mail returns and early counts will be decisive for which two candidates advance and how statewide turnout affects other races.